Page 88 of Through You
I hang up and Artemis cocks his head.
“Who was that?”
I don’t know how to make him understand that this is none of his business. That I want him to leave me alone. And that his indecisiveness only complicates my life. So I reply, holding my head up.
“My boyfriend.”
I wasn’t expecting the look of hurt I see overtake his face.
“You’re lying.”
I shrug. “I really don’t care if you believe me or not.”
He holds me by the arms.
“Look me in the eyes, Claudia. You’ve never lied to me. Please don’t start now.”
“I’m not lying,” I respond coldly. How dare he ask for honesty after everything that he’s put me through?
He releases me, looking defeated.
“You had your chance and you wasted it, Artemis.” I make this very clear. “I’m not waiting my whole life for you when you can’t even bring yourself to acknowledge the feelings you claim to have for me right now. Good night.”
I bid him farewell, leave the house, and get into Daniel’s car.
My heart aches but I need to turn the page. I can’t put my life on hold for someone who won’t fight to make me a part of his. It’s not worth it.
Twenty-four
It’s never too late to change your life.
ARTEMIS
“Grandfather is waiting for you in the study.”
My father and I exchange a glance in response to Claudia’s words, delivered right as we arrive home from work. She gives me a cold stare before leaving.
“Do you know what this is about?” I ask.
“No,” he replies, loosening his tie.
We enter the study, and I begin to understand what this may be about when we find Ares already on the couch sitting across from our grandfather. Ares asked our father for his support to study medicine and was turned down. And when he asked our grandfather for his help, he also said no. I suspect this may be the reason behind this meeting.
“Father, what’s the matter? We’re both busy, and have a video-conference scheduled in ten minutes,” my father explains.
“Cancel it.” Our grandfather smiles as he gives the order.
My father protests. “Dad, it’s important.”
“Cancel it!” Grandfather raises his voice, surprising us.
My father and I share a look. He nods, so I call to cancel the meeting, and we take a seat. My father lets out a sigh. “What’s going on?”
My grandfather regains his composure. “Do any of you know why Ares is here?”
My father gives Ares a cold-eyed stare. “I assume to ask for your help again.”
“That’s correct.” Our grandfather nods.
